Foodtown - March 2018

THE FOODTOWN NEWSLETTER Dedicated to Our Best Customers!

718-833-5080 9105-27 3rd Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11209 www.foodtown.com

MARCH 2018

Special Holiday Offers Just for You

Because You Are One of Our Best Customers

MANAGERS Store Manager: David Rosario

Over the next couple of weeks, we are all going to be preparing and celebrating the holidays. No matter which holiday you celebrate, make it a great one! First and foremost, please let me say on behalf of all our hard-working associates, thank you for all the business you give us. The offers in this newsletter are designed just for you and your family to help make your food dollars go further. We are going to work hard to make sure we have everything you need to make your holiday terrific. Being Healthy I would like to take a moment and share something with you that my brother, Daniel, and I feel very deeply about: being healthy. We care for our team members because we have come to know them over the years. We also care just as much about you, our wonderful customers. We have been making an effort over the years to carry more choices of healthier products in all our departments. For example, we have expanded our fruit and vegetable departments and increased our organic choices. Brad’s Organic and Green Way Organic brands are terrific for buying natural food at affordable prices. We believe in offering our customers the widest variety of foods and allowing them to make the ultimate decisions. The truth is that having a snack here and there is not a bad thing. Staying on track with a healthy diet isn’t easy, and even some of the best diet books say it’s okay to take a day off. We are now into March, and many of us have forgotten our New Year’s resolutions to be healthier this year. I set a goal of working out at least five

days a week and staying away from sugar and fatty foods. Instead of having steak or chicken at night, my amazing wife, Deborah, makes me a big salad. Do I miss that steak? Yes. But the next morning, I feel better when I get on the scale. I am busy like everyone else, so if I want to work out, the only time I can find is 5 a.m., before the day gets started. It’s not easy, but I manage to do it at least three or four days a week. Daniel has decided to primarily eat from the fruit and vegetable aisle to avoid fat, oil, sugar, and other things that cause heart disease. He also wakes up at 5 a.m. to get his workouts in. What about you? Take a look through our flyer and throughout our store. Perhaps there are healthier choices and products on sale to help you restore that New Year’s resolution. There is no shortage of resources available to regain control of your health, but perhaps the first step is simply to stay out of the snack aisle and spend a little more time in the fruit and vegetable department. Try some Foodtown rice cakes instead of potato chips. Try veggie sticks instead of chocolate chip cookies. Put healthy items in your cupboard so when the urge arises, you grab something better. I welcome your feedback about this topic or anything else that might help us improve the store even more. Most of all, thank you for all the business you give us, and I look forward to hearing from you.

Assistant Store Manager: John Colberg Jr.

PHONE 718-833-5080

HOURS Monday-Saturday: 7am — 11pm

Sunday: 7am — 10pm

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Foodtown of Bay Ridge

VIEW THE FLYER ... Enter this link in your browser:

www.FoodtownCARES.com/ FLYER

Sincerely,

–Noah Katz

Co-President, PSK Supermarkets

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Keeping Up With Your New Year’s Resolutions What You Need to Do to Stay On Track and Push Forward March is the month of spring time and rejuvenation. It’s also the time when most people have forgotten about the resolutions and goals they set earlier in the year. Have you neglected or given up your goals? If you have, you are far from alone. Most people let their goals fall to the wayside at least by March, if not long before. It comes down to four simple reasons. 1. They set goals that were out of reach or unrealistic. 2. They had zero accountability. 3. They set abstract goals. 4. They didn’t track progress. Setting goals is the easy part. A lot of people say they want to lose weight, eat better, learn a new skill, or try a new hobby, but they don’t define their goals any further. Vague goals aren’t really goals at all. The best way to stay on track is to be as specific as possible. Understand what you need to do to accomplish your goals. Make sure you have access to the appropriate resources that will help you make progress. Resources come in all forms. Look to the people around you for accountability — your family, friends, neighbors, or colleagues. If you don’t want to involve anyone else, keep a notebook or diary to track progress. Or if you are learning a new skill, such as a foreign language for a trip next year, the resource you need may be an app on your phone. When you bring specific goals together with the necessary resources, achieving your dreams becomes more possible than ever before. You just have to take steps to avoid falling into the mistakes listed above. Set attainable concrete goals, track your progress, and check in with someone to keep you accountable. Since it’s been a few months, take a moment to re- view how far you’ve come since January. What do you need to do to make 2018 your best yet?

Stefan has been with Foodtown since 1999 and has been integral to the growth of our company. His management of the deli, kitchen, and food service for our Central Brooklyn store creates a wonderful experience for all our customers. It’s not surprising, because Stefan has an unparalleled understanding of food. As a graduate of the illustrious Institute of Culinary Education in New York, Stefan exhibits incredible knowledge of the industry. He has worked for high-end restaurants and even functioned as a private chef for some time. But if you ask him, his favorite kitchen is right here at Foodtown. “We have the biggest kitchen of any store. We can put out over 180 pounds of food in one sitting!” Stefan is quick to point out that it’s not just the quantity but also the quality that makes him passionate about his work. “It’s such a great company, especially on the food end. We only get the best local ingredients.” The focus on quality makes for delicious food and guarantees our customers have the healthiest options available. One of the biggest reasons Stefan loves working for Foodtown is that we operate with ethical and moral responsibility. “Within the supermarket business, you’ve seen a lot of bankruptcy due to mismanagement. We don’t have that. We’re expanding and growing, and that means we’re doing something right.” He goes on to explain there is growth for the individual EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT: Stefan Shillingford Foodtown’s Chef Is Ready to Serve

as well. “There’s always room for personal growth. We promote from within, too.”

We’re extremely proud to have an expert like Stefan manning the helm of our Super Foodtown of Bedford Stuyvesant. If you’re ever in Central Brooklyn, stop on by and say hi. You’ll be greeted not only with the best food in the area, but with a warm and friendly person, as well.

Want free groceries? Simply use your club card to earn points. Then grab the free items sheet at the register and redeem your points for free groceries. It's that simple. *Available at the store location on the back of this newsletter. FREE GROCERIES, REALLY

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Being Healthy

Being and staying healthy is not easy. It takes work and planning. Many years ago, my brother, Daniel, introduced me to a book that actually makes staying healthy a little easier: Bill Phillips’ book called Body for Life . What I have always liked about this book is its simplicity. I have read it many times over the years, and I am happy to share some of the core concepts with you here.

The Body for Life Program, by Bill Phillips (Please Google it.)

• Most of all, DRINK A LOT OF WATER , at least 8 small bottles a day. If you’re not going to the bathroom often, you’re not drinking enough water. • Last, but not least: THROW IT ALL OUT THE WINDOW 1 DAY A WEEK AND EAT WHATEVER YOU WANT . Bill Phillips talks about this in his book. It’s good to eat all those snacks for 1 day a week the way you used to and have the feeling of satisfaction. This keeps you on track during the week and gives you something to look forward to. As far as exercise, Bill’s book has a huge focus on that, too. He recommends a lot of exercise. My suggestion is to start with the diet portion of the book. Then, when you are ready, begin the exercise portion as best you can. For the record, I attempt to follow it every week, but I do sometimes fall short when time is limited. Bill recommends exercising 6 days a week, which many people may simply not have time for, especially initially. Try 3-4 days a week, or at least 2. Bill recommends alternating weight training and cardio. Most of his program is available on the internet, and you can simply Google Body for Life . I highly recommend the book. There is no shortage of diet and exercise books out there. The trick is to keep it simple and find something that works for you. The Body for Life program works for me because it’s simple to follow. I find foods on Bill’s list that I like to eat and focus on buying them. It’s easier to maintain. I actually met Bill Phillips last year at a seminar. He is still in terrific shape after all these years, and his genuine goal for the audience was for all of us to simply eat, be healthy, and live long lives. We all want that. His process is a great place to start. Thanks, Bill.

First, please consider purchasing this book yourself for a more detailed explanation, but these are some of the core concepts. • Keep a food log. Generate in advance a written plan of what you are going to eat and when you are going to work out this week. If you fail to plan, you plan to fail. When you look at it at the end of the day and the end of the week, the accomplishment feels good. • Eat 6 SMALL meals a day, 2-3 hours apart. If you can’t eat a meal, eat a health bar that has carbs and protein, or drink a smoothie or health drink. Your goal is to keep your digestive tract moving continuously all day. Not stopping and restarting it. • Balance each meal with 1 carb and 1 protein. Twice a day, add healthy fats and vegetables. For example, eat 1 chicken breast, 1 yam, and some broccoli. • Your portions should be no larger than the size of your fist. Eat only 1 chicken breast, not 2, for example. • Stop eating BEFORE you get full. Your body doesn’t register that you are full until it’s too late. Then, you are overfull. • Fill your cupboard with ONLY items that are on the “authorized list.” If you have something in your cupboard that is not on the list, give it away to a friend. Get rid of it. (This is one of my favorite tips. If you don’t bring unhealthy foods into your house, you won’t eat them.) • Here are some of the unauthorized items that you should not bring into the house: white bread, white pasta, super-processed foods (If you don’t understand an ingredient, don’t buy it.), high-fat foods, super- refined carbs, soda, sugary desserts, etc. • Shop as much as you possibly can in the fruit and vegetable aisle. Find things from produce you like to snack on. • Note: You do not have to purchase the supplements. The program can easily work from buying food in a grocery store.

–Noah Katz

What’s the Right Temperature for My Refrigerator?

Make Sure to Find Your Hot Spots

Finding the right temperature for your refrigerator can be quite a challenge. I know what you’re thinking — most newer fridges have temperature gauges on them, so you’ll always know the internal temperature. But did you know that these can be off by several degrees depending on the make and model? Because bacteria growth begins around 40 degrees, a misreading of your fridge’s temperature can cause problems.

Find Your Ideal Range: It’s important to keep your fridge at 35–38 degrees. This temperature prevents freezing and frost development and keeps food cool enough to prevent harmful foodborne illnesses. You may think your modern refrigerator with all-new amenities is perfect, but every unit has a common characteristic: zones that are cooler than other areas. Test the Accuracy: Consumer Reports does testing on top brands of new refrigerators every year. Many come back showing discrepancies in their readings. Some may be off by a couple degrees, others even more. If you think you have an issue with this, try a fridge thermometer. It’ll not only help you see your hot and cold zones, but if the power goes out, you’ll still know the temperature of your unit. Ingredients • 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided • 1 large yam, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces • 1 large parsnip, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces • 1 cup baby carrots • 1 zucchini, cut into 1-inch slices • 1 bunch fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces • 1/2 cup roasted red peppers, cut into 1-inch pieces • 2 cloves garlic, minced • 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper Directions 1. Heat oven to 425 F. Grease 2 baking sheets with 1 tablespoon olive oil and place the yams, parsnips, and carrots on the sheet. 2. Bake in the oven for 30 minutes, then add the zucchini and asparagus and drizzle with the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Continue baking until all of the vegetables are tender, about 30 minutes more. Once tender, remove from the oven and allow to cool for 30 minutes on the baking sheet. 3. Toss the roasted peppers together with the garlic, basil, salt, and pepper in a large bowl until combined. Add the roasted vegetables, toss to mix, and serve! The Perfect Holiday Vegetable Medley

Where to Store What: The coldest spots of your fridge are at the back and the bottom. Cold air sinks, so the food at the bottom of your fridge and furthest away from the door will be coldest. On the opposite end of the spectrum, items in the door can reach up to 60 degrees. This is why it’s suggested you put meats at the bottom of the fridge and condiments in the door. The fuller your fridge is, the better. Not just because it’s full of delicious food, but also because it retains coolness. This is key to ensuring your Foodtown items always maintain their ultimate freshness. Stop by one of our locations today and keep your refrigerator cool with the best food selection in the region.

Try Fresh Asparagus in Your Next Meal

Asparagus is an incredible superfood that can provide long- lasting nutritional benefits. It’s jampacked with vitamins and minerals that are key to living a healthy lifestyle and achieving daily nutritional requirements. Here are three reasons why asparagus is a great addition to any meal. Fiber Asparagus is rich in both soluble and insoluble fiber, which keeps you feeling full. A diet high in fiber is also beneficial to your health. Diuretic This green veggie serves as a natural diuretic, which is key to clearing out the kidneys and the urinary tract. Antioxidants Free radicals can cause major damage to important cell structures in your body. The antioxidants found in asparagus can help regulate these and prevent damage to your body.

Stop by our produce department today for the freshest selection of asparagus around!

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INSIDE THIS ISSUE: The Passion That Drives Foodtown............................PAGE 1 Are You Keeping Up With Your Goals?............................PAGE 2 Skip the Overpriced Lunch, Come Visit Stefan...........................PAGE 2 Best Temperature Ranges for Your Fridge................................PAGE 5 Check Out This Must-Have Addition to Any Diet....................PAGE 5 Tips to Help You Choose Produce.............................PAGE 6 "A house is not a home unless it contains food and fire for the mind as well as the body." –Benjamin Franklin

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How to Choose Produce Start With Sight

Selecting good produce is always a key component of any trip to the grocery store. But how do you know if you’ve found the best fruits and veggies? We’ve provided guidelines to selecting proper produce so you always get the freshest options. Fruit The key to finding great fruit doesn’t start with checking for firmness. Check the appearance first. Look for a clean, smooth surface, and identify any problem spots before you check the integrity of the fruit. Once you’ve found a piece that looks good, it’s time to make sure it’s the real deal.

apricots, and apples. Fruit that is nonclimacteric won’t ripen after being picked, such as berries, grapes, watermelons, citrus fruits, and peppers (yes, they’re fruits). Vegetables and Greens Many of the rules about fruit will apply to vegetables. The difference is that virtually all vegetables should be firm. Look for cracks and color especially. Since all vegetables are nonclimacteric, you need to make sure you get something fresh. Foodtown only selects the freshest and best produce available. It’s important to keep seasonal fruits and vegetables in mind when purchasing produce. The region it’s grown in, the time it was harvested, and many other factors will adjust characteristics of your fruit and vegetables. Stop by one of our stores today to check out our awesome selection for yourself!

Check the firmness of fruit by applying light pressure with an easy grip to see if it's too soft or too firm.

Fruit is unique because there are many types that will still ripen after being picked. These climacteric options include peaches, bananas, mangos,

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